Woman, 23, Loses Period After Extreme Gym Routine Sparks Hormonal Collapse

A 23-year-old woman from Zhejiang Province in eastern China lost her periods after pushing herself too hard in the gym. Doctors diagnosed her with exercise-induced amenorrhea, a condition linked to extreme training and poor energy balance. Her case highlights the risks of excessive exercise without proper nutrition. The woman, who previously weighed around 65 kilograms, admitted to overeating before becoming fixated on fitness. She rapidly shed weight through intense workouts, training six times a week in 70-minute sessions. Over time, her menstrual flow shrank, with her last period lasting just two hours.

Medical tests revealed alarming results. Her female hormone levels had plummeted to those of a woman in her 50s. Doctors also found clear signs of exhaustion, endocrine disorders, and insomnia caused by the strain. They warned that her body fat percentage had likely dropped below 17%, the minimum needed to maintain a regular cycle. To recover, she was advised to stop all physical activity immediately. Traditional Chinese medicine was prescribed to help restore her hormonal balance.

The woman’s case serves as a warning about the dangers of extreme fitness routines without adequate rest or nutrition. Her body’s hormonal imbalance and halted periods resulted directly from excessive exercise and insufficient energy intake. Doctors have stressed the need for a gradual return to activity, paired with proper medical supervision.